Life and Climbing the Past Few Months

So here we are again. Last October, I promised more frequent updates and honestly, I had every intention to deliver. But I didn't, and I'm sorry. It seems my psyche for sitting down and pounding out a post has dwindled away. That being said, I also feel that if I put my mind to it, a resurgence is more than possible.

As for climbing, this Winter has been kind to us. Not only do we have stellar temps and conditions, with perpetual Fall-like weather, but we have also been blessed with a sick hella dope fresh gym to train at when that weather turns for the worse. A combination of these things and some recent developments in my personal life have resulted in a very happy me. And that's why I'm here. Talking to you guys. Again.

But why are you here? What do you want me to talk about?

I suppose I should begin with the recent ventures of Upstate New York Bouldering. Over the past month or so, I've spent nearly every weekend in Great Barrington, primarily at the speed boulder. Evan has been diligently attempting Roses and Blue Jayes - V13, and the results are promising. Personally, I've turned my efforts to old projects, even sending a few of them! One problem in particular, Big Big Love - V8, felt incredible to send because of how difficult it felt for me just a few weeks earlier.

Honestly, I'm not as stoked on the spray as I used to be. My life lately has taken many an unexpected turn, and I find myself viewing climbing in a completely different light. I see the true value in the action, but more often I find myself thinking about the incredible relationships I've made with people who share no other mutual interest with me. While it feels good to progress, climb stronger and send harder routes and boulders, that feeling pales in comparison to the sensation that comes along with the good times spent with good people climbing.

As for the future, its hard to say. I'd like to promise posts more consistently, but I'm afraid such a pact would be no less empty than they have been in the past. I will say that this blog has provided me an excellent service by allowing me to track and record my physical and emotional progress as a person and rock climber, and it would feel wrong to stop now.

Below, I've added a picture dump to sate your media starved eyes. Although the showcase is quite clearly Great Barrington, pictures from Lost City as well as some of my personal photography appear as well.

the first in a series of diptychs i made for my photo class

the classic narrative

Jaysen Henderson on a classic V1 at Lost City

pinto and i sharing a moment

Evan entering the cruxy slot-crimps of Roses and Blue Jayes - V13

Evan keeping warm by looking like an idiot

Ben sippin on dat haterade, Izzy izznt feelin it

Pinto philosophizing

Evan bein a QT

dat chalk

dem shoes w/ dem colors

Ben

lord of the jet boil

bill on the intro moves of Big Big Love - V7

Evan stickin the crux move on Something From Nothing - V11

again.

Enjoy the incredible temps and keep crushing! I'm not dead yet and I know you're not either, so get out there and tell me about your travels.

As the hitchhiker I picked up on the way to Great Barrington said as he departed my car, "ONWARD!"

-WB